Garter Pattern

Make Your Own Fancy Garter

You can pay up to $50 for a fancy garter like the one above; or you can make one yourself for mere pennies and very little time. A sewing machine helps but isn't necessary.

This is a basic garter pattern. The embellishments are up to you. For a wedding garter, add something meaningful, like a piece of jewelry or engraved charm. For a homecoming mum garter, see our other articles on homecoming mums.

Garter Materials

Lace or satin ribbon for the base; equal to twice the circumference of the thigh (for a woman's garter) or bicep (for a man's). 4 to 5 inches is a good width.

Thin ribbon(s) for decoration and to hide the elastic band. You'll need the same length as for the base ribbon plus a little extra for the (optional) bow.

½ inch wide elastic; enough to stretch comfortably around the thigh or arm.

Matching thread.

How to Make the Garter

Line up the decorative ribbon(s) atop the base ribbon and sew them on with a straight stitch. Sew a wide basting stitch over the same line. Leave long tails and do not tie or lock stitch the ends. This gathering stitch is to help form a nice ruffle.

Pulling on one end of the gathering stitch, push the ribbons toward the center to make the ruffle. Work alternately from each end until the length matches the elastic and your ruffle is nice and even. Tie the gathering stitch on each end to secure the ruffle.

Pin the elastic behind the decorative ribbons making sure it will be hidden.

Sew from the front through all layers to be sure your stitches are on the matching color ribbon. Fold the garter ends together right sides facing. Sew the vertical seam to form a circle,

Add your bows and embellishments. The one in the photo has a cubic zirconia-studded key pin which can later be removed and worn separately.

If you're making this for a homecoming mum garter, our homecoming mum articles can give you ideas for finishing it off. Basically, follow the tips for making a homecoming mum but think smaller.

Here are more Homecoming Mums and more Party Planning articles.